When a warring people called the Anti-Nephi-Lehies learned about their Savior Jesus Christ, they promised the Lord to never use their swords again, ever. Because of that promise, many of them were killed when enemies came against them. They moved to a previous enemy’s land where they were welcomed and given protection. In return, the Anti-Nephi-Lehies provided the armies protecting them with food and other necessities.
The war between their old people and their new people grew fierce. They felt bad that they weren’t helping in battle. The prophet Helaman convinced them that keeping their promise to God was the most important thing. Still, they wanted to help.
Behold, it came to pass they had many , who had not entered into a covenant that they would not take their weapons of war to defend themselves against their enemies; therefore they did assemble themselves together at this time, as many as were able to take up arms, and they called themselves Nephites.
And they entered into a covenant to fight for the liberty of the Nephites, yea, to protect the land unto the down of their lives; yea, even they covenanted that they never would give up their , but they would fight in all cases to protect the Nephites and themselves from bondage.
Now behold, there were two thousand of those young men, who entered into this covenant and took their weapons of war to defend their country.
And now behold, as they never had hitherto been a disadvantage to the Nephites, they became now at this period of time also a great support; for they took their weapons of war, and they would that Helaman should be their leader.
And they were all young men, and they were exceedingly valiant for , and also for strength and activity; but behold, this was not all—they were men who were true at all times in whatsoever thing they were entrusted.
Yea, they were men of truth and , for they had been taught to keep the commandments of God and to uprightly before him.
And now it came to pass that Helaman did march at the head of his stripling soldiers, to the support of the people in the borders of the land on the south by the west sea. (emphasis added)
Who Are You Choosing to Follow Into Battle?
In her Sunday family letter, my sister Desirée shared her thoughts about who these 2,000 young men chose to follow into battle.
It was really good to study about the 2,000 stripling warriors today. It hit me really hard that those two thousand young men chose Helaman to be their leader. I’m sure Helaman had spent a lot of time in their city teaching.What got me is they chose the prophet. They wanted to be led by the prophet into battle.I don’t know if I give the prophet enough credit today to guide me into battle. I totally sustain him, and thinking about it, he would be the best choice! So many great applications for us today.We got a scare last night when we got the text that dad was told to rush to the emergency room because of his potassium levels. We feel so grateful that all is well. Today as we talked about Helaman being scared about not having enough provisions, men to help fight and food, Asher said one thing that he worried about was Grandpa. We talked about all of our fears and how our faith in God’s deliverance can help us overcome those fears. We are so grateful for this gospel and grateful for a dad/grandpa who teaches us Heavenly Father’s plan.
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